Wed Nov 20 17:55:22 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra and Jharkhand Hold Assembly Polls Amidst Allegations and Exit Poll Predictions

**Mumbai, India – November 20, 2024** – Maharashtra and Jharkhand held assembly elections today, with a single-phase poll in Maharashtra covering all 288 seats and the second phase of Jharkhand’s election covering the remaining 38 constituencies. By-elections for 15 assembly seats across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand also took place concurrently.

Voter turnout in Maharashtra reached 58.22% by 6 PM, while Jharkhand’s second phase saw a 67.59% turnout. Early reports indicated varied turnout across districts in both states, with some areas experiencing higher participation than others. Several incidents marred the voting process. In Maharashtra, an NCP worker was assaulted, and a polling booth was vandalized in Parli. In Uttar Pradesh, allegations of police misconduct and obstruction of voters, leading to the suspension of five police personnel, emerged. Sporadic incidents of violence were also reported in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

Prominent figures from the political and entertainment industries participated in the voting, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, and actors Salman Khan and Tusshar Kapoor.

Exit polls released earlier predicted a potential shift in power in Jharkhand, with most suggesting a BJP-led NDA victory. In Maharashtra, the predictions were more divided, with some indicating a close contest between the BJP-led Mahayuti and the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi.

The day saw various accusations and counter-accusations. The Shiv Sena alleged an attack on one of its workers; the Samajwadi Party accused the BJP of misuse of administrative machinery and voter intimidation; and the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi accused the BJP of vote buying.

The Election Commission of India has ordered investigations into several complaints regarding irregularities and urged voters to exercise their franchise peacefully. The results of both state elections are expected to be announced on November 23.

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